When Is the Best Time to Replace My Roof?

Your roof plays a big role in maintaining the overall integrity of your home, keeping you protected from the elements and helping control your heating and cooling costs. But, like everything else in the world, a roof doesn’t last forever.

A typical roof with asphalt shingles will last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, but most homeowners will squeeze out a few extra before making the investment in a replacement.

So, when is the best time to replace your roof? Well, before you’re in dire need. Being able to plan for a replacement allows you to shop around, budget and eliminate having to make a rash decision out of necessity. So, if you’re at the point of squeezing out those extra years, you might want to think about putting a roof replacement plan together.

In terms of what time of year is the best time to replace your roof, we say April through October. But, we work on roofing projects all year because emergencies often happen.

Why do we say April through October? Well, traditional asphalt shingles need to undergo a thermal sealing process. In Pennsylvania, temperatures and the sun angle in these months makes this process happen much quicker. Also, shingles can become brittle and break in colder temperatures, so the warmer temps make installation go more smoothly.

Can you replace a roof in the winter? Absolutely. But we prefer not to replace roofs in weather below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As mentioned above, the asphalt shingles need to go through a thermal sealing process, and colder weather makes this take much longer. But, sometimes working in temps below 40 degrees is unavoidable. Most shingle manufacturers call for a specialized adhesive to be applied to each shingle in temps below 40, which is something we certainly abide by.

You should be inspecting your home at least once a year to see if any issues are arising. If you notice missing or damaged shingles, mold or mildew growing, or you’ve noticed spots on your walls or ceiling inside your home, you could have a problem roof.

Your home is one of your largest investments and its roof should protect that investment. At Greenawalt Roofing Company, we ensure that protection by using only the highest-quality asphalt shingles and underlayment. Contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today at 717-898-6000 for your FREE estimate.

Guide to Window Types

If you are thinking about replacing your windows, you should know all of the options you have. There are a lot of them! There are a ton of windows that serve their own purpose and have their own pros and cons. 

Single Hung Windows

Single Hung windows are extremely common. The bottom of the window moved up and down, while the top part of the window cannot be open. There is only one option for opening the window, hence single hung.

Double Hung Windows

You can open double hung windows by the top or bottom of the window. Two options for opening equals a double hung window. This window comes in a variety of color and styles, but they can have issues with insulation if the weatherstripping gets old or tattered.

Casement/Hinged Windows

Casement windows have a hinge, which allows them to swing open. These windows are excellent insulators because they are large panes with fewer places for air to escape.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are hinged at the top and swing open. They are a popular option because they can be open rain or shine.

Picture Windows

Do you have a view so pretty it could be a picture? A picture window is a large pane perfect for looking over your lovely backyard. These windows won’t open.

Skylight Windows

Skylight windows are wonderful for natural light. Skylights are windows that are installed on your roof. These windows are a bit more expensive because of the complexity of their installation. A poorly installed skylight can ruin the integrity of your home.

Arched Windows

Arched windows are lovely for designs. They can stand alone, or be placed on top of other windows for a stunning look. Most arched windows cannot be opened.

Slider Window

These windows work like a sliding glass door, they are extremely easy to open. Slider windows are also easy to maintain and a cost effective option. Great for light and ventilation, but you can only open half of the window.

Bay Windows

Bay and windows can add great charm to a home. These windows project out of the home’s exterior and create a little extra space/shelf inside your home. Bay windows can be created with double hung or casement windows.

At Greenawalt Roofing, we can review all the options and styles to help you make the best choice for your home. We recommend and install MI windows and doors which are manufactured in the United States and backed by a Limited Lifetime Customer Assurance Warranty.

If you have any other questions about windows, or you are ready to replace your old ones, contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today at 717-898-6000!

SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW ROOF

When it is time for a new roof, trust the experts at Greenawalt Roofing Company. Most homeowners notice a leak in their ceiling and decide that they need a new roof. However, a leak could be a result of many different factors. Fortunately, there are distinct signs that indicate the need for a roof replacement.

Signs Indicating the Need for a New Roof

As a homeowner, all maintenance costs are your responsibility. The roof is a significant feature of your home that may require replacement. This can be costly, so it is essential to understand how to determine if you need a new roof or if minor repairs will suffice.

1. Bald spots where granules are missing

2. Roof is 20 years old or more

3. Shingles buckling and curling

4. Dark streaks and moss

5. Neighbors are getting new roofs

6. Cracked or missing shingles

7. Chimney flashing

8. Daylight showing through roof boards

9. Shingle granules in gutters

10. Water damage or leaking areas

11. Recent storms in your area

It is important to know the materials used for replacement roofs and roof repairs affect how long those roofs normally last.

Benefits of a Roof Inspection

You should perform a visual inspection of the exterior of your home’s roof a few times a year, particularly looking for include cracked, missing, loose or torn shingles around chimneys or vents. You should also look for signs of wear on your shingles. Best practices for residential roofing include looking for signs of mold, rot or moisture. Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent water from backing up and affecting the foundation.

Contact Us Today

Your home is one of your largest investments and its roof should protect that investment. By choosing Greenawalt Roofing Company, homeowners can be confident that their job is in good hands. Our installation crews are all committed to performing quality installations. Contact us today at 717-898-6000 for a FREE roof inspection.

How to Increase the Resale Value of Your Home

We’re often asked by homeowners, “Does replacing the roof increase the resale value of your home?” Of course, we’re not in the real estate business, but because we regularly observe both the satisfaction to homeowners and the value to properties that new roofs bring, we feel we’re in a unique position to objectively answer that question.

There are multiple reasons for a high return on your investment. From increasing the curb appeal of a home to alleviating energy loss and UV penetration through modern roofing materials, there's typically a list of reasons why a new roof can positively impact the resale value of any property.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valued reasons why putting a new roof on your house is such a smart investment.

AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENT

We’ve all heard about curb appeal, but what does it actually mean when it comes to a home’s roof influencing the potential buyers of a home? The term as it relates to a home’s roof means that any signs of a roof aging — or, worse, being in dire need of repair — could potentially scare away prospective buyers. At the very least, it might cause them to think about how much any repairs or replacements would cost them and, therefore, make an offer that reflects incurring those expenses.

On the other hand, when buyers see a new roof adding to the aesthetics of a home, they are immediately given the impression that the entire property is well-maintained. As a result, they’re far more likely to make offers that match or, in some competitive markets, even exceed the asking price.

IMPROVED HEALTH OF HOME AND STRUCTURE

Issues with mold growth and trapped dampness can cause a plethora of problems with any structure’s integrity, as well as to the health of those who live there.

And since we all know how breathing issues such as asthma can be aggravated by mold and prolonged dampness, seeing a new roof on a prospective property can be a big plus in terms of safety for informed homebuyers.

REDUCED SALE TIME

Let’s face it — anything that can prevent a home from spending a prolonged amount of time on the market is an important advantage. Smart homebuyers know that a home that’s been on the market for too long usually indicates there’s a problem either with the asking price or some structural feature. On the other hand, if a home has a new roof, then there’s already an indication that there won’t be any roofing inspection issues to hold up its sale.

And the quicker your home sells, the fewer overall fees you’ll wind up being hit with from advertising, marketing campaigns and other time-sensitive realtor fees.

INCREASED ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Did you know that a metal roof can help reduce heating and air conditioning bills by as much as 25 percent? Families looking to buy a house can look at the potential for significant savings depending on the type of material a roof is made of. It also means more comfort and protection throughout the year, as increased reflection of solar rays and more efficient insulation can all be supported by a new, well-installed roof.

WHY GREENAWALT ROOFING COMPANY?

Since most homes represent much more to their owners than a resale value, we also know that a roof is more than a simple top to a place of shelter. Greenawalt Roofing Company is a Certainteed 5-Star SELECT ShingleMaster.  By choosing Greenawalt Roofing Company for your roof replacement you are selecting a contractor in the top 1% of his profession who has met the most stringent credentialing requirements in the roofing industry. In other words, your home is in the very best of hands. Greenawalt Roofing Company has proven expertise in roof installations, is properly insured, and held to the highest standards of the program's code of ethics. Contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today for your FREE estimate, 717-898-6000.